Biography
Billy Kolber, who has worked as a commercial photographer, chocolatier, top-selling Avon representative, author, travel agency manager, blogger and guest experience consultant, is the founder of two travel magazines for gay and lesbian consumers. His current publication, ManAboutWorld, was one of the first magazines of any kind developed exclusively for mobile. In his professional work today he helps travel brands and destinations implement engagement strategies for the LGBT market, champions the cause of LGBT travel freedom and safety, and speaks on these issues at conferences around the world.
Even before joining the board of Yale.NYC (the Yale Alumni Association of New York) in 2012, Kolber had a long record of volunteer engagement through the Class of 1986 and his singing groups. To many he is best known as the creator of Foodtober, Yale.NYC's annual month-long festival of food-related events. First held in 2013, Foodtober helps its participants learn about the culture, creation, politics, business, media, history and science of food, bringing Yale.NYC into collaboration with numerous shared-interest groups, alumni organizations and community partners while raising funds for the Yale Sustainable Food Project and local nonprofits.
In addition to being a member of Yale.NYC's board, Kolber served as the group's YAA Delegate from 2013 to 2017 — with a perfect YAA Assembly attendance record — and as its vice-president from 2015 to 2017. For the Yale Day of Service each year he has always been either a committed site coordinator or an enthusiastic participant. He has attended every one of the quinquennial reunions for his Class of 1986, was a member of the planning committee for its 30th reunion in 2016, and has long been point person for the Whiffenpoofs of 1986.
